E. coli Concerns Result in Massive Product Recall

Last month, CNN published a report stating that multiple cases of E. coli infections linked to raw clover sprouts had been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

E. coli was also in the news in May after a Michigan packing company began recalling approximately 1.8 million pounds of ground beef that may also have become contaminated. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the massive recall for the ground beef product that was manufactured between March 31st and April 18th of this year.

According to the FSIS ground beef recall notice, “E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.”

“E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious illnesses and it is important that people do not consume contaminated food products,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “To help prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers, EMSL provides testing services to identify microbial contaminants, allergens and other food testing services for food manufacturers, distributors, retailers and even the general public.”

EMSL has sponsored an online video about E. coli that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlyfc-5fVqI.

The laboratory also provides educational posters about E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other food safety topics that can be found at: http://emsl.com/index.cfm?nav=Pages&ID=422.

To learn more about testing for microbial pathogens, allergens or other food testing services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental, and materials testing services and products to government agencies, industry professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail